Scope covering systems

ABSTRACT

A scope cover can include a flexible fabric shell, a strap coupled to the flexible fabric shell that can secure the flexible fabric shell to the scope. An area of the interior surface of the flexible fabric shell can minimize or eliminate scratching of the objected lens of the scope. A method of minimizing abrasion to a scratch-sensitive surface of the scope is also described.

PRIORITY DATA

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/349,865, filed Nov. 11, 2016, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. Nos. 62/254,125, filed on Nov. 11,2015 and 62/378,138, filed on Aug. 22, 2016, each of which isincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Telescopes are optical devices that can increase a user's ability toview remote objects. These optical devices have been found to beparticularly useful in astronomy because they can be adapted to receiveand focus a variety of wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation toextend the amount of information that can be collected by a user beyondthe visible spectrum. However, even within the visible spectrum,telescopes can be very useful for a variety of other uses such asmilitary and other tactical operations, animal tracking, hunting, andthe like.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides scope covers or scope covering systemsthat can include a flexible fabric shell having an interior surfacedefining an interior cavity and an exterior surface opposite theinterior surface. The flexible fabric shell can be adapted for placementof a scope within the interior cavity via an expandable and contractibleopening in the flexible fabric shell. A strap can be coupled to theflexible fabric shell, which can be configured to secure the flexiblefabric shell to the scope. An area of the interior surface of theflexible fabric shell can minimize or eliminate scratching of theeyepiece and/or objective lens of the scope.

A method of minimizing abrasion to a scratch-sensitive surface of ascope is also described herein. The method can include inserting thescope into an interior cavity of a flexible fabric shell via anexpandable and contractible opening, said interior cavity being definedby an interior surface of the flexible fabric shell. The interiorsurface can include an area that minimizes or eliminates scratching ofthe scratch-sensitive surface.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more importantfeatures of the invention so that the detailed description thereof thatfollows may be better understood, and so that the present contributionto the art may be better appreciated. Other features of the presentinvention will become clearer from the following detailed description ofthe invention, taken with the accompanying drawings and claims, or maybe learned by the practice of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a view of an exterior surface of a scope cover, inaccordance with examples of the current disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a view of an interior surface of a scope cover, inaccordance with examples of the current disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a view of an exterior surface of a closable storagepouch for a scope cover, in accordance with examples of the currentdisclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a view of an interior surface of a closable storagepouch for a scope cover, in accordance with examples of the currentdisclosure.

These drawings are provided to illustrate various aspects of theinvention and are not intended to be limiting of the scope in terms ofdimensions, materials, configurations, arrangements or proportionsunless otherwise limited by the claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While these exemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail toenable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, it should beunderstood that other embodiments may be realized and that variouschanges to the invention may be made without departing from the spiritand scope of the present invention. Thus, the following more detaileddescription of the embodiments of the present invention is not intendedto limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is presented forpurposes of illustration only and not limitation to describe thefeatures and characteristics of the present invention, to set forth thebest mode of operation of the invention, and to sufficiently enable oneskilled in the art to practice the invention. Accordingly, the scope ofthe present invention is to be defined solely by the appended claims.

Definitions

In describing and claiming the present invention, the followingterminology will be used.

The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unlessthe context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to“a particle” includes reference to one or more of such materials andreference to “subjecting” refers to one or more such steps.

As used herein with respect to an identified property or circumstance,“substantially” refers to a degree of deviation that is sufficientlysmall so as to not measurably detract from the identified property orcircumstance. The exact degree of deviation allowable may in some casesdepend on the specific context.

As used herein, “adjacent” refers to the proximity of two structures orelements. Particularly, elements that are identified as being “adjacent”may be either abutting or connected. Such elements may also be near orclose to each other without necessarily contacting each other. The exactdegree of proximity may in some cases depend on the specific context.

As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositionalelements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list forconvenience. However, these lists should be construed as though eachmember of the list is individually identified as a separate and uniquemember. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as ade facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based ontheir presentation in a common group without indications to thecontrary.

Concentrations, amounts, and other numerical data may be presentedherein in a range format. It is to be understood that such range formatis used merely for convenience and brevity and should be interpretedflexibly to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited asthe limits of the range, but also to include all the individualnumerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if eachnumerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited. For example, anumerical range of about 1 to about 4.5 should be interpreted to includenot only the explicitly recited limits of 1 to about 4.5, but also toinclude individual numerals such as 2, 3, 4, and sub-ranges such as 1 to3, 2 to 4, etc. The same principle applies to ranges reciting only onenumerical value, such as “less than about 4.5,” which should beinterpreted to include all of the above-recited values and ranges.Further, such an interpretation should apply regardless of the breadthof the range or the characteristic being described.

Any steps recited in any method or process claims may be executed in anyorder and are not limited to the order presented in the claims.Means-plus-function or step-plus-function limitations will only beemployed where for a specific claim limitation all of the followingconditions are present in that limitation: a) “means for” or “step for”is expressly recited; and b) a corresponding function is expresslyrecited. The structure, material or acts that support the means-plusfunction are expressly recited in the description herein. Accordingly,the scope of the invention should be determined solely by the appendedclaims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the descriptions andexamples given herein.

In this disclosure, “comprises,” “comprising,” “containing” and “having”and the like can have the meaning ascribed to them in U.S. Patent lawand can mean “includes,” “including,” and the like, and are generallyinterpreted to be open ended terms. The terms “consisting of” or“consists of” are closed terms, and include only the components,structures, steps, or the like specifically listed in conjunction withsuch terms, as well as that which is in accordance with U.S. Patent law.“Consisting essentially of” or “consists essentially of” have themeaning generally ascribed to them by U.S. Patent law. In particular,such terms are generally closed terms, with the exception of allowinginclusion of additional items, materials, components, steps, orelements, that do not materially affect the basic and novelcharacteristics or function of the item(s) used in connection therewith.For example, trace elements present in a composition, but not affectingthe compositions nature or characteristics would be permissible ifpresent under the “consisting essentially of” language, even though notexpressly recited in a list of items following such terminology. Whenusing an open ended term, like “comprising” or “including,” it isunderstood that direct support should be afforded also to “consistingessentially of” language as well as “consisting of” language as ifstated explicitly and vice versa.

Scope Covering Systems

An initial overview of technology embodiments is provided below andspecific technology embodiments are then described in further detail.This initial summary is intended to aid readers in understanding thetechnology more quickly, but is not intended to identify key oressential features of the technology, nor is it intended to limit thescope of the claimed subject matter.

A scope cover or scope covering system can include a flexible fabricshell having an interior surface defining an interior cavity and anexterior surface opposite the interior surface. The flexible fabricshell can be adapted for placement of a scope within the interior cavityvia an expandable and contractible opening in the flexible fabric shell.A strap can be coupled to the flexible fabric shell, which can beconfigured to secure the flexible fabric shell to the scope. An area ofthe interior surface of the flexible fabric shell can minimize oreliminate scratching of the objective lenses of the scope.

A method of minimizing abrasion to a scratch-sensitive surface of ascope is also described herein. The method can include inserting thescope into an interior cavity of a flexible fabric shell via anexpandable and contractible opening, said interior cavity being definedby an interior surface of the flexible fabric shell. The interiorsurface can include an area that minimizes or eliminates scratching ofthe scratch-sensitive surface.

It is noted that when discussing a scope cover or a method of minimizingabrasion to a scratch-sensitive surface of a scope, each of thesediscussions can be considered applicable to each of these examples,whether or not they are explicitly discussed in the context of thatparticular example. Thus, for example, in discussing a scope cover,features related to the scope cover can also be applicable to the methodof minimizing abrasion to a scratch-sensitive surface of a scope, andvice versa.

With this initial overview in mind, the scope covers of the currentdisclosure will be described in more detail. One example of a scopecover 100 is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The scope cover 100 caninclude a flexible fabric shell 110. The flexible fabric shell can bemade of a variety of materials. Typically, any soft, flexible materialcan be used. Non-limiting examples can include leather, neoprene,neogreen, lycra, thermocline, rubber, polyester, polyamide,polyethylene, polypropylene, cotton, silk, wool, or combinationsthereof.

The flexible fabric shell 110 can have an interior surface 120 definingan interior cavity 122 and an exterior surface 124 opposite the interiorsurface 120. The interior surface and the exterior surface can be madeof the same material or different materials. In some examples, theinterior surface can be made of, include, and/or be lined with amaterial that minimizes or eliminates scratching of the eyepiece,objective lens, and/or other surface of a scope. In other examples, atleast a portion or an area of the interior surface can be made of,include, and/or be lined with a material that minimizes or eliminatesscratching of the eyepiece, objective lens, and/or other surface of ascope. In some examples, the portion or area of the interior surfacethat is made of, includes, and/or is lined with the scratch-minimizingmaterial can include an area that is intended or designed to interfacewith an eyepiece, an objective lens, and/or other scratch-sensitivesurface of a scope.

Generally, the scratch-minimizing material, or the material thatminimizes or eliminates scratching, can include any soft, non-abrasivematerial. Non-limiting examples can include cotton, chamois, polyvinylalcohol, polyester, polyethylene, polyamide, or a combination thereof.In some examples, the scratch-minimizing material can be a microfibermaterial. In some examples, the microfiber material can be made ofpolyester or a blend of polyester and polyamide. In some examples, themicrofiber material can be a split microfiber material, such that all ora majority of the individual microfiber filaments are split intomulti-stranded filaments.

In some examples, a tab, handle, or other gripping feature can bepositioned on or coupled to the exterior surface of the flexible fabricshell. This can be done for a number of reasons. For example, the tabhandle, or other gripping feature can be positioned opposite an areamade of, including, and/or lined with the scratch-minimizing material.Thus, a user can grasp the tab or other gripping feature coupled to theexterior surface of the flexible fabric shell and manipulate thescratch-minimizing material disposed opposite the gripping feature toclean an eyepiece, an objective lens, etc. of a scope.

In another example, the tab, handle, or other gripping feature can beposited at a lens end or an eyepiece end of the scope cover tofacilitate placement of the scope cover on the scope, such as grippingfeature 180 illustrated in FIG. 1. Where this kind of tab, handle, orgripping feature is used, the lens side of the scope cover can be placedover the objective lens end of the scope and the user can pull on thegripping feature 180 to position the eyepiece side of the scope coverover the eyepiece end of the scope, as is partially illustrated in FIG.1, or vice versa. The tab, handle, or other gripping feature can be madeout of a variety of materials. Non-limiting examples can includeleather, neoprene, neogreen, lycra, thermocline, rubber, polyester,polyamide, polyethylene, polypropylene, cotton, silk, wool, or acombination thereof.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the flexible fabric shell 110 can be adaptedfor placement of a scope, such as scope 170, within the interior cavity122 via an expandable and contractible opening 130 in the flexiblefabric shell 110. As there are many different sizes of scopes, theflexible fabric shell can be made to accommodate a variety of sizes ofscopes. In some examples, the flexible fabric shell can be a universalshell that is adapted to accommodate all or most sizes of scopes. Inother examples, the flexible fabric shell can be made in a variety ofsizes to accommodate different ranges of scope sizes. In some examples,the flexible fabric shell can be made of a size and shape to accommodatea hunting scope that is adapted to be mountable to a firearm. In anotherexample, the flexible fabric shell can be made of a size and shape toaccommodate a spotting scope that is not adapted to be mountable to afirearm, but can be adapted to be mountable to a tripod or othersuitable support structure or device. Because the scopes are typicallyconsiderably longer than they are wide, the scope cover can also beconsiderably longer than it is wide. For example, in some cases, thescope cover can have a length to width ratio of from 8:1 or 7:1 to 3:1or 2:1 in an unstretched state. In other examples, the scope cover canhave a length to width ratio of from 6:1 or 5:1 to 3:1 or 2:1 in anunstretched state.

It is noted that the flexible fabric shell can accommodate a pluralityof sizes of scopes for a number of reasons. For example, the flexiblefabric shell can be made of a stretchable material. When the flexiblefabric shell is made of a stretchable material, it can be stretched tocover larger sized scopes, while being able to accommodate smaller sizedscopes without significant stretching. Further, whether the flexiblefabric shell is stretchable or not, the flexible fabric shell caninclude an expandable and contractible opening, such as opening 130.Thus, the expandable and contractible opening can be expanded to let outor contracted to draw in the flexible fabric shell to adjust a volume ofthe interior cavity to a greater or lesser volume, as desired. Theexpandable and contractible opening can include a variety of features tofacilitate expansion and/or contraction of the opening. Non-limitingexamples can include an elastomeric band, a drawstring, a cinch, astrap, a zipper, or a combination thereof.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a strap 140 can be coupled to theflexible fabric shell 110. The strap can be configured to secure theflexible fabric shell 110 to a scope, such as scope 170. As illustratedin FIGS. 1 and 2, in some examples, the strap can be oriented to crossthe expandable and contractible opening laterally. Further, asillustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the strap 140 can include two strapsegments. Each of the strap segments is attached to the flexible fabricshell at opposite lateral sides of the expandable and contractibleopening. Additionally, in this example, each of the strap segments iscoupled to the flexible fabric shell such that opposite ends of each ofthe strap segments are coupled at distinct locations (i.e. one end iscoupled towards an eyepiece side of the flexible fabric shell and oneend is coupled towards a lens side of the flexible fabric shell). Assuch, each of the strap segments forms an angular orientationterminating at a connecting feature such that when the two strapsegments are connected, a cross-pattern is formed. The cross-pattern canbe adjusted from nearly linear to perpendicular in either a longitudinalor latitudinal direction, as desired. In yet other examples, separatepairs of straps can also be used to form the same cross patterns. Forexample, one or more pairs of strap segments can connect across theexpandable and contractible opening in a linear manner, eitherlaterally, longitudinally, or diagonally. In other examples, the strapscan be parallel, rather than crossing. In yet other examples, one ormore straps can be parallel and can be crossed by one or morenon-parallel straps. In yet another specific example, the strap can becoupled to flexible fabric shell such that a first end or terminus ofthe strap or strap segment is coupled to the flexible fabric shell at aposition more proximate the eyepiece side of the flexible fabric shellthan a second end or terminus of the strap or strap segment.

The straps can be made of a variety of materials. Non-limiting examplescan include leather, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide,ethylene vinyl acetate, rubber, neoprene, neogreen, lycra, thermocline,cotton, silk, wool, or a combination thereof.

A number of connecting features can be used to connect individual strapsegments. While the example illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 is a buckle,the individual strap segments can be connected via a buckle, a snap, ahook and loop fastener, a button, a magnet, the like, or a combinationthereof. In some examples, the strap does not include a connectingfeature, but is coupled to the flexible fabric shell at substantiallyopposite sides of the expandable and contractible opening.

In some examples, a closeable storage pouch or container can be attachedto the flexible fabric shell to store the flexible fabric shell when notin use. An example of a closeable storage pouch 200 is illustrated inFIGS. 3 and 4. The closeable storage pouch 200 can have a body 215 offlexible or rigid material. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the body215 of the closeable storage pouch 200 is made of a soft, flexiblematerial, such as a material used to make the flexible fabric shell ofthe scope cover. However, in other examples, the closeable storage pouchcan be made of a more rigid material, such as leather, polyethylene,polypropylene, polyamide, aluminum, tin, the like, or combinationsthereof. In some examples, the closeable storage container can include arigid material inserted within or lined with a more flexible material.As will be recognized by one skilled in the art, in some examples, thesame materials can be made soft and flexible or hard and rigid dependingon the molecular weight, coordination, crosslinking, weave, or otherfeatures of the particular material.

The closeable storage pouch can also include an attachment feature 250to facilitate attachment of the closeable storage pouch to a user'sclothing, gear, or the like. Such attachment features can include aclip, clasp, clamp, strap, buckle, snap, hook and loop fastener, button,magnet, the like, or combinations thereof.

Additionally, the closeable storage pouch can be closeable via a varietyof enclosing features, such as enclosing feature 260. Non-limitingexamples of enclosing features can include a foldable flap, such as thefoldable flap illustrated in FIG. 3, for example, a zipper, a hook andloop fastener, a snap, a button, a clip, a kiss lock, a magnet, thelike, or combinations thereof.

In some examples, as illustrated in FIG. 4, a soft cleaning material 218can be attached to an interior surface of the closeable storage pouch200. The soft cleaning material can be made of a variety of materials,such as cotton, chamois, polyvinyl alcohol, polyester, polyethylene,polypropylene, polyamide, or a combination thereof, for example. In onespecific example, the soft cleaning material can be a microfibermaterial. In some examples, the microfiber material can be made ofpolyester or a blend of polyester and polyamide. In some examples, themicrofiber material can be a split microfiber material, such that all ora majority of the individual microfiber filaments are split intomulti-stranded filaments.

Additionally, in some examples, the closeable storage pouch 200 caninclude a coupling feature 225 for coupling the closeable storage pouch200 to the flexible fabric shell of the scope cover. In some examples,the coupling feature 225 can be permanently coupled to both thecloseable storage pouch 200 and the flexible fabric shell. In otherexamples, the coupling feature can be removably coupleable to thecloseable storage pouch and/or the flexible fabric shell. Where thecoupling feature is removably coupleable to the closeable storage pouchand/or the flexible fabric shell, the coupling feature can be removablycoupleable via a buckle, a magnet, a clip, a clamp, a snap, a strap, thelike, or a combination thereof. In some examples, the coupling featurecan be coupled at an exterior surface of the closeable storagecontainer. In other examples, the coupling feature can be coupled at aninterior surface of the closeable storage container.

In some examples, where the scope cover includes a closeable storagepouch, the closeable storage pouch can be storable against either theinterior surface or the exterior surface of the flexible fabric shell.For example, the flexible fabric shell and/or the closeable storagepouch can include a pouch, pocket, clasp, snap, hook and loop fastener,button, clip, clamp, buckle, magnet, the like or combination thereof tostore the closeable storage pouch against an exterior or interiorsurface of the flexible fabric shell when the closeable storage pouch isnot in use. Alternatively, as described above, the closeable storagepouch can be removably coupleable to the flexible fabric shell so it canbe removed from the flexible fabric shell when not in use.

A method of minimizing abrasion to a scratch-sensitive surface of ascope is also described herein. The method can include inserting thescope into an interior cavity of a flexible fabric shell via anexpandable and contractible opening. The interior cavity can be definedby an interior surface of the flexible fabric shell. The interiorsurface can include an area that minimizes or eliminates scratching thescratch-sensitive surface. In some examples, the area that minimizes oreliminates scratching of the scratch-sensitive surface can cover theentire interior surface. In another example, the area that minimizes oreliminates scratching of the scratch-sensitive surface can cover aportion of the interior surface that is intended, designed, orconfigured to interface with the scratch-sensitive surface. In someexamples, the scratch-sensitive surface of the scope can include anobjective lens, an eyepiece, or both.

The foregoing detailed description describes the invention withreference to specific exemplary embodiments. However, it will beappreciated that various modifications and changes can be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention as set forth in theappended claims. The detailed description and accompanying drawings areto be regarded as merely illustrative, rather than as restrictive, andall such modifications or changes, if any, are intended to fall withinthe scope of the present invention as described and set forth herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A scope cover, comprising: a flexible fabricshell having an interior surface defining an interior cavity, and anexterior surface opposite the interior surface, the flexible fabricshell being adapted for placement of a scope within the interior cavityvia an expandable and contractible opening in the flexible fabric shell;a strap coupled to the flexible fabric shell, said strap beingconfigured to secure the flexible fabric shell to the scope; and an areaof the interior surface of the flexible fabric shell that minimizes oreliminates scratching of an objective lens of the scope.
 2. The scopecover of claim 1, wherein the flexible fabric shell comprises a materialselected from the group consisting of neoprene, neogreen, lycra,thermocline, rubber, polyesters, polyamides, polyethylenes,polypropylenes, cotton, silk, wool, or a combination thereof.
 3. Thescope cover of claim 1, further comprising an area of the interiorsurface of the flexible fabric shell that minimizes or eliminatesscratching of the eyepiece of the scope.
 4. The scope cover of claim 1,wherein the area of the interior surface of the flexible fabric shellthat minimizes or eliminates scratching of the objective lens of thescope comprises a material selected from the group consisting of cotton,chamois, polyvinyl alcohol, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene,polyamide, or a combination thereof.
 5. The scope cover of claim 4,wherein the material is a microfiber material.
 6. The scope cover ofclaim 1, wherein the area of the interior surface of the flexible fabricshell that minimizes or eliminates scratching of the objective lens ofthe scope covers the entire inner surface.
 7. The scope cover of claim1, wherein the area of the interior surface of the flexible fabric shellthat minimizes or eliminates scratching of the objective lens of thescope covers a portion of the interior surface configured to interfacewith the objective lens of the scope.
 8. The scope cover of claim 1,further comprising a tab coupled to the exterior surface, said tab beingdisposed proximate to the objective lens of the scope and opposite thearea of the interior surface of the flexible fabric shell that minimizesor eliminates scratching of the objective lens of the scope.
 9. Thescope cover of claim 8, wherein the tab comprises a material selectedfrom the group consisting of neoprene, neogreen, lycra, thermocline,rubber, polyesters, polyamides, polyethylenes, polypropylenes, cotton,silk, wool, or a combination thereof.
 10. The scope cover of claim 1,wherein the expandable and contractible opening comprises at least oneof an elastomeric band, a drawstring, a cinch, a strap, and a zipper.11. The scope cover of claim 1, wherein the strap comprises a pluralityof straps.
 12. The scope cover of claim 1, wherein the strap comprises amaterial selected from the group consisting of leather, polyester,polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, ethylene vinyl acetate, rubber,neoprene, neogreen, lycra, thermocline, cotton, silk, wool, or acombination thereof.
 13. The scope cover of claim 1, wherein the strapcomprises two strap segments that are connectable via a buckle, a snap,a hook and loop fastener, a button, a magnet, or a combination thereof.14. The scope cover of claim 1, further comprising a closeable storagepouch attached to the flexible fabric shell, said closeable storagepouch comprising a soft cleaning material attached to an interiorsurface of the closeable storage pouch, and an attachment featureconfigured to attach the closeable storage pouch to a user's gear. 15.The scope cover of claim 14, wherein the closeable storage pouch isstorable against either the interior surface or the exterior surface ofthe flexible fabric shell via at least one of a pouch, a pocket, aclasp, a snap, a hook and loop fastener, a button, a clip, a clamp, abuckle, and a magnet.
 16. A method of minimizing abrasion to ascratch-sensitive surface of a scope, comprising: inserting the scopeinto an interior cavity of a flexible fabric shell via an expandable andcontractible opening, said interior cavity being defined by an interiorsurface of the flexible fabric shell, the interior surface comprising anarea that minimizes or eliminates scratching of the scratch-sensitivesurface.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the area that minimizes oreliminates scratching of the scratch-sensitive surface covers the entireinterior surface.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein the area thatminimizes or eliminates scratching of the scratch-sensitive surfacecovers a portion of the interior surface that is configured to interfacewith the scratch-sensitive surface.
 19. The method of claim 16, whereinthe scratch-sensitive surface comprises at least one of an objectivelens of the scope or an eyepiece of the scope.